For legislation relative to providing for disposition of surplus state real property based on smart growth land use policies

SD901

For legislation relative to women’s health and cancer recovery

SD905

For legislation to revise the interstate compact on the placement of children

SD909

For legislation to allow single family homeowners to deduct their municipal water, sewer and trash fees from their state income tax

SD910

For legislation to create property tax credits for individuals with disabilities

SD911

For legislation concerning Gateway Municipalities

SD919

For legislation to encourage small business growth in the Commonwealth.

SD922

For legislation to enhance Department of Revenue reporting

SD924

For legislation to ensure healthcare coverage for youth who have aged-out of the department of children and families.

SD925

For legislation to establish an eastern Massachusetts women’s county corrections facility.

SD930

For legislation to extend single sales factor apportionment to all retail and wholesale corporations

SD932

For legislation to freeze the tolls on the Massachusetts turnpike and the metropolitan highway system.

SD939

For legislation to further regulate employee benefits

SD942

For legislation to prohibit tolls on the Massachusetts turnpike.

SD948

For legislation to promote fairness and equity in transportation planning

SD952

For legislation to evaluate the economic impact of transportation projects.

SD956

For legislation relative to charter school community impacts

SD959

For legislation relative to cyclist safety.

SD962

For legislation relative to distinctive license plates

SD968

For legislation relative to expungement of criminal or juvenile records for individuals who committed offenses as children or young adults

SD974

For legislation to protect animals during pet sales.

SD977

For legislation relative to special education reimbursements

SD980

For legislation relative to spousal waiver for home and community based services for physically disabled adults age 60 and under

SD983

For legislation relative to the geographical jurisdiction of the Housing Court Department

SD984

For legislation relative to the office of the child advocate

SD988

For legislation relative to the retirement benefits of certain widows and surviving spouses

SD990

For legislation to require disclosure of financial incentives to prescribe or dispense certain drugs

SD992

For legislation to rescind an order terminating parental rights

SD994

For legislation to accelerate innovation and entrepreneurship by partnering world-class innovators with state agencies

SD998

For legislation to address the lack of sex-specific data in Massachusetts

SD1000

For legislation to clarify the net-worth measure of the corporate excise

SD1003

For legislation relative to the placement of foster children with their siblings.

SD1007

For legislation to make habilitative services available to the children of the Commonwealth

SD1011

For legislation to promote consistency and transparency in construction contracting

SD1012

For legislation to promote global trade and economic development through dual language and bi-literacy

SD1016

For legislation to promote higher education among employees of human services provider organizations

SD1018

For legislation to promote reusable energy use in the Commonwealth

SD1021

For legislation to protect access to confidential healthcare.

SD1026

For legislation to update privacy protections for personal electronic information.

SD1028

For legislation to protect the Commonwealth's residents from identity theft

SD1029

For legislation to provide greater protection in registry of motor vehicle hearings

SD1033

For legislation to reduce the risks associated with allergic reactions.

SD1034

For legislation to reform state economic substance rules

SD1037

For legislation to create an advance directives registry

SD1051

For legislation to prohibit the use of bisphenol-A in consumer products.

SD1054

For legislation relative to the civil commitment for alcoholism or substance abuse at certain facilities

SD1056

For legislation to ensure microbead-free water.

SD1059

For legislation to strengthen working families by increasing tax exemptions and dependent care tax credits

SD1067

For legislation to grant authority to the secretary of the department of transportation to charge and collect tolls on the roadways of the Commonwealth

SD1474

For legislation relative to local licenses and permits.

SD1620

For legislation to promote transparency, best practices, and better outcomes for children and communities.

SD1640

For legislation relative to create an innovative communities program.

SD1853

For legislation to establish a family and medical leave and temporary disability leave insurance program.

HD3624

By Representative Linsky of Natick and Senator Spilka, a joint petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of David Paul Linsky and Karen E. Spilka for legislation to include public works employees for killed-in-the-line-of-duty benefits. Public Service.

By Representative Roy of Franklin and Senator Spilka, a joint petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 473) of Jeffrey N. Roy and others relative to the teaching of genocide education in the public schools. Education.

By Mr. Linsky of Natick, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 222) of David Paul Linsky and others relative to business practices between motor vehicle manufacturers, distributors and dealers. Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.

By Representative Peake of Provincetown and Senator Brownsberger, a joint petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1530) of Sarah K. Peake and others relative to penalties for the crime of female genital mutilation. The Judiciary.

By Mr. Walsh of Framingham, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2196) of Chris Walsh and others for legislation to establish the building code coordinating council. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

By Ms. Ferrante of Gloucester, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2737) of Ann-Margaret Ferrante, Karen E. Spilka and Carmine L. Gentile for legislation to establish an innovative communities program within the Executive Office for Administration and Finance. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.

By Mr. Sannicandro of Ashland, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2816) of Tom Sannicandro and others for legislation to amend the Open Meeting Law by defining a 'Public Internet Discussion' and setting requirements for members of a public body to discuss matters before it in a 'Public Internet Discussion'. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.

By Representative Atkins of Concord and Senator Eldridge, a joint petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3127) of Cory Atkins, James B. Eldridge and others for the adoption of resolutions memorializing the Congress of the United States to convene a Constitutional Convention to consider amendments to the Constitution to limit the influence of money in our political system. Veterans and Federal Affairs.

By Mr. Walsh of Framingham, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3195) of Chris Walsh and others (by vote of the town) relative to representative town meetings in the town of Framingham. Municipalities and Regional Government. [Local Approval Received.]

By Representatives Story of Amherst and Smola of Warren, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3242) of Ellen Story and others relative to the labeling of genetically engineered food. Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture.

Through hard work, a keen ability to navigate complex issues, and a demonstrated commitment to advocating for her constituents, Senator Karen E. Spilka has established herself as a respected leader in state government. She represents the MetroWest, one of the most important economic regions in Massachusetts.

Due to her experience in social work, law, and disability issues, Senator Spilka was named the first Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities. Senator Spilka was appointed Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies in February 2009, as well as serving on the Senate Ways and Means Committee.

Prior to becoming a legislator, Senator Spilka was in private practice as an arbitrator and mediator, specializing in labor and employment law and community and court mediation. In addition, she has been a facilitator and fact finder in disputes in the public and private sectors, as well as a trainer of adult mediation and school-based peer mediation programs, collaborative-based collective bargaining, and conflict resolution strategies. She has also previously worked as a labor and employment attorney on behalf of employees, unions, the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA), and the Commonwealth.

Senator Spilka has received considerable recognition for her public service, including being named to the National Honor Roll of State Legislators and appointment to the National Conference of State Legislatures’ Human Services and Welfare Committee for 2007–2008. Other awards include the 2009 Health Info Management Association’s Legislator of the Year Award, the Massachusetts Hospital Association’s 1st annual Legislator of the Year Award in 2008, the 2007 Legislative Achievement Award from the Massachusetts Association of Jewish Federations, the 2007 Legislator of the Year Award from the Arc of Massachusetts, the 2006 Legislative Leadership Award from the MetroWest Chamber of Commerce, the 2006 Regional Spirit Award from the MetroWest Growth Management Committee, and Advocates, Inc.’s 2006 Medal of Honor.

Personal Information

Profession:

Attorney; Arbitrator/Mediator

Spouse:

Joel Loitherstein

Pets:

3 chocolate labs

Interests:

Reading, Gardening, Bicycling

Career Highlights

Co-authored a bill that revolutionizes the way the state does business, increasing access to capital for small businesses so they can hire more workers

Spearheaded the creation of the MetroWest Regional Transit Authority, increasing mobility for employees, seniors and the disabled in MetroWest

Passed Jenny’s Law in memory of a young mother from Ashland, changing the law to make it harder for life insurance companies to deny claims and helping families throughout the Commonwealth

Successfully advocated for a provision in the education reform bill that will determine adequacy in quality public school funding

Second Middlesex and Norfolk -- Consisting of the towns of Ashland, Framingham, Holliston, Hopkinton and Natick, precincts 1 to 5, inclusive, and 8, in the county of Middlesex; and the towns of Franklin, precincts 5, 6, and 8, and Medway in the county of Norfolk.